South Africa is one of the most popular places in the world for safari vacations, though most well-known game parks like Kruger are close to Johannesburg, in the northern part of the country. But if you’re in Cape Town, the most-visited city in the country, you can still go on a “Big Five” safari. And a company you’ve likely used before just launched what may be the easiest way ever to get close to a lion or rhino.
The experience includes the use of Uber-branded vehicles throughout the day. Photo: Uber Safari
New 'Uber Safari' Lets Up to Four People Go on Safari for Only $200 - Total
Uber announced on Sept 30 a new ‘Go Anywhere’ experience: Uber Safari. It’s a limited-time travel experience from the ride-booking company, available on Fridays and Saturdays from October 2024 to the end of January 2025. The experience includes transportation from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve (a roughly two-hour drive), as well as a welcome drink, lunch, and an two-to-three hour game drive in an open-air vehicle across the reserve’s 250,000 acres. After the drive, safari-goers will have time to use Aquila’s pool and outdoor facilities before returning to Cape Town. It’s one of several private reserves in the region that offer game drive experiences akin to shorter versions of those at national parks.
The offering will be visible under “Suggestions” for Uber users in South Africa. Photo: Uber Safari
The experience is only bookable through the Uber app for users in South Africa and available at $200 — total. That includes up to four people, so it’s a great deal for anyone traveling in a group. While solo travelers with their own vehicles may find it cheaper to book directly with the Aquila Game Reserve website at 995 Rand, or about $58, per person. But if you don’t have a car, Uber Safari will still be cheaper, as Uber estimates the one-way fare from Cape Town to Aquila at R2500, or about $151. Booking similar all-in-one packages via websites like Viator or GetYourGuide is slightly cheaper, at $193 and $169 per person, though they often require two-person minimums (so it may be get cancelled if no one else books).
That means if you have four people, you may be able to do a safari drive for just $50 per person. Booking it via Uber Safari guarantees reliable transportation, as getting a ride from the reserve all the way back to Cape Town could be a challenge. That’s likely why the brand expects the safaris to book quickly, advising travelers reserve as far in advance as possible (though you need to be in South Africa to see the offering on the app). “Availability of Uber Safari trips is expected to be limited,” reads the announcement. Riders looking to book are encouraged to book in advance using our Reserve technology. Uber Safari will be visible to all riders in South Africa.”
The experience includes the use of Uber-branded vehicles throughout the day. Photo: Uber Safari
The offering isn’t Uber’s first foray into experiences, rather than just rides. In October 2023, Uber introduced 150 Euro (about $166) hot air balloon rides over Türkiye’s Cappadocia region, and introduced 1600 Euro (about $1,780) “Uber Yacht” bookings in July 2024 in Ibiza, allowing up to eight guests to spend the afternoon on a luxury yacht. 